Identifying a spider starts with careful observation. These visible features can help you narrow down which group a spider belongs to.
Size
Compare body length rather than leg span. Leg span can make a spider look much larger than it is.
Color & Markings
Look for stripes, spots, chevrons, bands on the legs, and patterns on the abdomen.
Body Shape
Note the abdomen shape and posture, from flat and crab-like to round or long and slender.
Eyes & Webs
Eye arrangement and web type, or no web at all, are among the most useful clues to a spider’s family.
Tips for Observing Safely
- Observe from a safe distance and avoid handling spiders you can’t identify.
- Take a clear, well-lit photo from above and, if possible, from the side.
- Note where you found it: indoors, in a web, on the ground, or near water.
- Estimate size by comparing it with a familiar object, such as a coin.
Step-by-step identification guides coming soon